At this moment two homes are being constructed across the street from us.  We’ve lived in this new development for over 4 years.  Our home being one of the first ones built.  Construction noises part of our DNA.  Do we mind it?  Sometimes, but no pain, no gain!  And we love it here.

After the land is cleared by a rather noisy piece of earth-moving equipment which we call the ‘evil machine’, we shout a word of thanks!  Then the foundation men arrive.  Measuring tape in hand.  Blueprints to follow.  Wooden foundation frames put in place.  Concrete footings constructed, along with poured cement filling those frames.  Cement usually hardens in a day or two, meaning that the foundation guys return removing the wooden framing.  Voila!

Foundations complete.  Now begins the structural framing to finish the home in about 4 months.  Takes awhile.  Requires exact planning and measuring.  Hard labor.  Precision work.

Windows…insulation…mudding…painting inside and out…gutters…doors…composite roof…cabinets…electrics and plumbing…and so on.   All at a rather high price!

Reading 1 Corinthians 3, I note similarities with our Christian life– ‘For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ’ (1 Cor. 3:11).  Hence, the question–upon what am I building my life?  To make money?  It’s necessary but not as our all-in-all.  To get recognition?  It’s nice to be appreciated.  To make my mark for Jesus?  Not as often as I’d like.

Here’s a warning sign–‘But each one should be careful how he builds’ (1 Cor. 3:10).  ‘…careful how he builds.’  Good point.  For me I have to work at keeping Jesus front-and-center daily.  He too easily gets booted to the sidelines almost out of sight.  Often I’m asking Him to bless decisions I’ve already made long before even thinking about consulting Him.  I’m in charge until I remember who really is.  A tad late but better than never.

So, as early as possible, ask for His guidance.  His will, which is not always easy to discern.  But hang in there.  Don’t jump before you look.  Take your time.  Use the measuring tape of the Bible.  Jesus your foundation.  Frame Him Lord of your life.  You’ll find your footing.

Doesn’t happen overnight.  He has lots to do.  Takes time.  Will be costly.  Notice that the house is going up.  We’ll soon move in.  Get ready.

By the way, He has another one for us over the hilltop.  A mansion (John 14:1-6).  That He’s built.  Won’t that be just out of this world!

Thank you, Jesus, for home sweet home with you.  Amen.